What actions should we take to live "holy and godly lives"? Setting the Scene “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God” (2 Peter 3:11-12). Peter anchors daily conduct in the certainty of Christ’s return. The future shapes the present. Defining the Goal • Holy – set apart for God, separated from sin (1 Peter 1:15-16). • Godly – reflecting God’s character in attitude and action (Titus 2:11-12). Actions That Foster Holiness • Cultivate purity of heart and mind (Psalm 24:3-4; Matthew 5:8). • “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • “Cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God” (2 Corinthians 7:1). • Separate from known sin: confess quickly, repent decisively (1 John 1:9). • Guard input: filter media, conversations, and environments that pull toward impurity (Philippians 4:8). Actions That Produce Godliness • Practice reverent obedience: “Be doers of the word” (James 1:22). • Walk in love: serve others sacrificially (Ephesians 5:1-2). • Develop the virtues Peter lists: faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection, love (2 Peter 1:5-7). • Train yourself in spiritual disciplines—prayer, fasting, worship, giving (1 Timothy 4:7-8). • Keep short accounts: forgive quickly, seek reconciliation (Colossians 3:13-14). Living with the End in View • Anticipate: daily remind yourself, “The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5). • Hasten: spread the gospel (Matthew 24:14), pray “Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20), invest time and resources in kingdom work. • Hold possessions loosely; invest in what cannot burn (Matthew 6:19-21; 2 Peter 3:10). Daily Practices That Keep Momentum • Immerse in Scripture: “Your word is truth” (John 17:17). • Pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and specifically for growth in holiness. • Fellowship with believers who spur you on (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Examine yourself regularly (Psalm 139:23-24). • Celebrate progress; thank God for every step (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Guardrails Against Drift • Stay alert to false teaching (2 Peter 3:17). • Resist worldly cravings: “Deny ungodliness and worldly passions” (Titus 2:12). • Remember past deliverances to fuel present faithfulness (Deuteronomy 8:2). Putting It All Together A holy and godly life grows where anticipation of Christ’s return meets active obedience today. Set apart your heart, reflect His character, and stay alert—“so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before Him” (1 John 2:28). |
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